Still debating a Rat-Trap...

ohmyheckinslc

ohmyheckinslc

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The search tool wasn't showing anything on this subject, (probably down :foot: ) so I'm sorry if my question's already been answered a gazillion times. I've been debating picking up a rat trap since last year. I repeatedly emailed a few questions to the swamp and they never responded, so I put that off for a while. But I still want some swampishness, as I don't think I'll live long enough to get an infi-based folder. Anyway, here's my question... With all of the talk of the 'new line' from the Swamp, is there going to be a new folder? Or is the rat trap still going to be alone in that regard. I ask because I'm not in love with liner locks, or s30v particularly, and I was wondering if they might be bringing something else to the market in the not too distant future to replace the rat-trap. (no offense to the rat trap, it seems very well liked, and of course, it comes with a very attractive warranty)
 
Thanks kitten, erm, I mean, Mr. Finkenstein... Though I don't find an actual answer to my question buried in those threads... hm...
 
Hi OMH,

I don't think that anything has been stated for certain, but I've gotten the impression from prior posts that the Rat Trap is the only blade that will remain unchanged. I totally understand your feelings toward liner locks, but I will add that my Rat Trap has remained very solid.

Good luck in your decision! :thumbup:

:D
 
Looks like 360 beat me to the punch..................again! :p
 
Ya and also, the rat trap is still the only SRK blade that is not discontinued, so they'll probably keep it around.
 
I like my Trap, but do admit that it is not a folder for the masses.

The nice thing about Rats is the fact that if you don't want to carry it, you just leave it at home. :D
 
Perhaps Mr. Newton's saying that due to the fact that it's got a 3.9 inch blade, and reasonably "tactical" appearance, it's not necessarily the most sheeple friendly knife in the world... Which it isn't, but that doesn't bother me. :)
 
http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=369422&highlight=rat+trap

Here are many reviews by many diverse people on the same Trap. Many love it, and many do not.

Please don't misunderstand when I say that it's not for the masses. It merely is on the other end of the spectrum from the Busse AK47, imho. There are many who despise a large, hand filling folder, which is the Trap.

I personally do not like the fact that if I want to do what many call abuse of a knife I have to grab one of my other Rats since the S30V is not the steel to be doing anything with besides cutting.

However, overall it is a great package with many features that I like.

I will also allude to the fact that it gives me another option for keeping a Rat on my person at all times. You see, I am a big Rat fan. (I have to point that out to many people. It is not apparent at first glance. :D )
 
http://www.swampratknifeworks.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=10;t=003962#000008

Here is a comparison I did wit pics over at the Rat forum.

I also mean another thing when I say "it was not meant for the masses." Many people here, including myself, just beat the snot out of their folders. You can argue the merits of this all day long.

The Trap was created with many goals in mind(IMHO - It's not like Jerry or Eric would actually speak with me on the street, much less consult with me on knife design. :rolleyes: )

A slim profile was created by leaving out metal liners, which decreases strength. The choice in steel means you have a great EDC cutting edge, but can't get off in something and start wrenchin'. The size is very handfilling w/o being heavy, and w/o detracting from the first listed goal.

The light weight literally allows you to forget you are carrying.

Buy one after Blade, try it, and if you don't like it trade it for something else. If you like big folders you might wind up keeping it. :D
 
I'm surprised you didn't get a response from Eric soon after your e-mail. I ordered a Rat Trap about 4 weeks ago (my first rat) and Eric answered all the questions I had very quickly. Keep trying, maybe you just caught him on a busy day.
 
I actually ordered a Rat Trap about 2 wks.ago. I have big hands and don't plan on wailing on anything with it. Thats what my Ratweiler is for. Thanks for the insight.
 
Terry - not to be argumentative, but I believe the metal liners in the Rat Traps are imbedded, not left out. They're still there, just in a way that offers strength and a slim profile. :thumbup:
 
Greg45 said:
Terry - not to be argumentative, but I believe the metal liners in the Rat Traps are imbedded, not left out. They're still there, just in a way that offers strength and a slim profile. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

this is true, there are steel liners.
 
Greg45 said:
Terry - not to be argumentative, but I believe the metal liners in the Rat Traps are imbedded, not left out. They're still there, just in a way that offers strength and a slim profile. :thumbup:
Click to expand...

That is correct. My idea of a liner is similar to the BM set up where you have a liner the size and shape of the actual scale.

The point I was making with the Trap is that enough stress in the right areas could break the G10 since the material is light, but not great for strength.
 
I just spent a little over two weeks at my parents place doing roundtuits that my 82 year old dad can no longer do.

The Rat Trap was involved in nearly everything I did, from running new electrical circuits to installing two electric hot water heaters and associated plumbing, to trimming trees and other yard work.

Needless to say, it needs sharpening, but was still sharp enough to slice up and condense the boxes the hot water heaters came in.

It was the most used tool of the whole time I was there. The one handed opening and closing was invaluable as was the sharp blade. The longer I was there the more I appreciated it. Slip it out of the back pocket, use it, and right back into the pocket. It got to be a routine and I knew it would be right there when needed.

The grip was excellent and the one handed opening/closing made it wonderful to use, as well as it holding an edge the whole time I was there.

I had other knives on me, but the RT quickly became the dominate user.

I quickly learned not to lay it down or my Dad would pick it up and go to using it for something. Scared me to death that he would do himself harm, as his 82 years are beating on him pretty bad. As hard as he tries he just can't do it any more. I quickly learned to re-pocket it and not lay it down.

In all, I won't be without a RT. I just hope I get enough advance warning to buy another, should they ever go the way of the BR or CT.

fwiw.........
 
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